Farm Market history runs deep

A recent conversation brought to mind the nature of farm markets in general, and the history of the Fayette County Farm Market in particular.

According to the USDA, “Farmers markets are a critical ingredient to our nation’s food system, and date back to 1730 in Lancaster, Pennsylvania in the United States.” In a 1999 article in the Smithsonian Magazine, Valerie Jablow and Bill Horne wrote of Thomas Jefferson purchasing fresh vegetables, meat and eggs from a Georgetown market, and the importance of such markets prior to “roads and refrigeration” and the influx of large grocery stores and supermarkets. They note that “the renaissance in farmers’ markets” about 35 years ago was related to “concern over preservation of local farmland and the livelihood of small farmers…”

You don’t need to look far to find out the history of the Fayette County Farm Market (FCFM). Our market manager, David Persinger, maintains a website (https://fayettecountyfarmersmarket.wordpress.com) where the history of and news about the FCFM may be found. If you have never seen the site, or haven’t visited in awhile, take a look and learn more about the market history and about some of the vendors via articles written in 2012 by EAT LOCAL columnist, Mary Lou Shaw. You will also find recipes, photos and market association by-laws, and how to sign up for email alerts of farm market postings. But don’t only look! Send photos, stories, or recipes…see “contact us” for ways to make submissions.

The market is open every Saturday morning from 8:30 to noon and is located in the municipal parking lot on the corner of South Main and East East Street. SNAP EBT food benefit cards, Senior Farm Market coupons and credit/debit cards are accepted—stop by the FM “Info and Children’s Booth” (beside the Sunshine Cleaners) for assistance. Those using the SNAP EBT card receive matching dollar VeggieSNAP tokens, $1 for $1 up to $10 EVERY market day! These VeggieSNAP tokens may then be used to purchase fresh produce.

The following list contains the names and products of the vendors that expect to set up for the Saturday market. Other vendors may participate as well.